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10 Affordable Options in 2023


Looking for the best budget kayaks for this year?

Getting your hands on a decent kayak in 2023 is easier than ever before, and we’re here to help you narrow down your choices by showing you some of the best budget kayaks on the market.

On top of just being affordable, our picks can compete with the best of them in terms of build quality and longevity, to the point where they render a lot of the most expensive models completely redundant.

Read on to find the perfect budget kayak for you!

Quick Answer: Best Budget Kayaks

10 Best Cheap Kayaks Reviews

We feel confident in saying we’ve picked out the 10 best cheap kayaks available in 2023, so you’d be wise to invest in one of the following boats:

Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3

Weight: 32 lbs | Length: 12′ 6″ | Width: 34″ | Max Capacity: 650 lbs

Features: Self-bailing drain valves | Inflatable spray skirts | I-beam construction floor | 2 Skegs | Pressure gauge | Bow & stern grab line

If you’ve been keeping tabs on our other articles, you’ll know we think of the Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 as one of the best budget kayaks available today.

With a weight capacity of 650 pounds, this kayak can comfortably seat 3 people and still carry a decently sized haul if need be. On top of all that, you’re getting a sturdy I-beam floor and a PVC construction out of the deal, offering some top-tier protection from punctures and other forms of damage.

The double-skeg configuration gives this thing some amazing tracking that’s well beyond the kayak’s price range, and back pain is a non-issue thanks to the Deluxe Kayak seats. On top of all that, the 5 deluxe valves make inflating the kayak an absolute cinch, and a carry bag and a great foot pump will be included in your purchase, sparing you the hassle of having to shop for peripherals.

Perception Sound 10.5

Weight: 46 lbs | Length: 10′ 6″ | Width: 29.5″ | Max Capacity: 335 lbs

Features: Sound dashboard w/ 2 mounting points | Tri-keel hull for stability | Ergonomic Zone seat w/ adjustable backrest | Quick-adjust footrests | Large rear open storage

If you’re on the taller or heavier side, this is by far one of the best budget kayaks you can expect to find in 2023.

Whereas your average kayak’s performance is often affected by substantial amounts of weight, the tri-hull system gives this puppy some of the best steering you can hope for a kayak of this price. The Zone Seat is extremely comfortable too, allowing for hours upon hours of continuous kayaking, and the adjustable footrests allow even the tallest of paddlers to stretch their feet without compromising on the boat’s performance.

The rod holders make this the ideal budget pick for anglers too, while the large storage area can easily fit a cooler to keep your haul fresh on particularly sweltering days. You could argue it’s a bit heavier than your average kayak, but the molded-in handles still make it easy to transport without much of a problem. 

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

Weight: 39 lbs | Length: 12′ 7″ | Width: 37″ | Max Capacity: 400 lbs

Features: High impact & abrasion resistant material | I-beam floor | Integrated drain plug | 3 chamber construction | 2 Skegs | Removable / adjustable seats

Intex are well-known for their spectacular inflatable kayaks, and among their impressive catalog, the Excursion Pro Kayak stands out as one of the best budget options.

Although we have some options on our list that are even cheaper, the quality you get out of this particular model is spectacular for how affordable it is. As far as inflatables go, this is one of the sturdiest picks out there, courtesy of the PVC construction and spring-loaded valves. The boat can carry up to 400 pounds, making it ideal for two paddlers looking to do some amateur fishing, and it’s hard to complain about the adjustable seats, too!

On top of the solid aluminum paddles, a high-quality pump is also included, as is a repair patch and a carry bag. The mounting brackets also lets you get a GPS and a larger amount of cargo on board, allowing you to venture deeper into the water without worrying about getting lost or running out of space for your catches. 

Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak

Weight: 52 lbs | Length: 10′ | Width: 31″ | Max Capacity: 275 lbs

Features: High-density polyethylene | Multiple footrest positions | Adjustable padded seat back | 3 rod holders | 2 6″ storage compartments

This is certainly among the best budget kayaks you can get your hands on, with a high density polyethylene construction that’s built to last you for years to come. 

Designed with fishermen in mind, this cheap kayak can hold up to 275 pounds of weight, which is well appreciated when you factor in your gear, cooler, and any extras you may be bringing out onto the water. It’s also outfitted with two flush mounted and a single top mount rod holder, along with a paddle keeper for when you’re ready to cast off. 

Other features that make this kayak an impressive pick for the price point are the front and rear bungee storage, the two 6 inch sealable storage compartments, and the adjustable padded seat to keep you comfortable all day long.

Practical and ready for anything, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler won’t leave a gaping hole in your pocket, but still has everything you need for a successful day out on the water. 

Read More: Best Fishing Kayaks for All Budgets

Pelican Basscreek 100X Angler

Weight: 50 lbs | Length: 10′ | Width: 30.5″ | Max Capacity: 325 lbs

Features: Carrying handles | Bottle holder | Paddle tie-down | Adjustable footrests | 4″ dry hatch w/ storage bag | Storage platform | Ergofit G2 seating system | 6 accessory eyelets

A lot of the best budget kayaks nowadays are inflatables, but if you prefer something a little more old-school, the Pelican 100X Angler has your back.

The 325-pound weight capacity is well beyond what you need for a one-person kayak, so a more experienced fisherman could really utilize this boat to the fullest. Even if you’re still a novice when it comes to fishing, kayaking, or both, the flat bottom hull feels about as stable as your average surface, and the open cockpit gives you a fair bit of space to work with too.

The bungee cords are here to keep your fishing spoils nice and secure, and minor touches like rod holders and bottle holders will keep the clutter in the storage platform to a minimum. If you want to latch some additional gear to the kayak, you’ll even have six accessory eyelets, and once you’re back on dry land and have taken everything off the boat, the two carry handles make it incredibly easy to load this thing onto your car.

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak

Weight: 52 lbs | Length: 15′ | Width: 32″ | Max Capacity: 550 lbs

Features: Built-in aluminum ribs | 3 layers of material | Adjustable padded seats | 3 seat locations (highly versatile) | Optional deck | Skeg | Deck lacing

The AdvancedFrame line of kayaks is immediately recognizable by its trademark red-and-gray design, but what you may or may not know is that, on top of its great presentation, this is one of the best budget kayaks of the last few years.

Thanks to the sturdy, double-coated fabric construction, you’ll completely forget you’re dealing with an inflatable boat, even in relatively rough waters. This thing is a bit heavy for an inflatable, coming in at about 52 pounds, but it more than makes up for that with its 550-pound carrying capacity and two comfortable seats. If all this wasn’t enough, you can give yourself some more open space by opening up the deck, perfect for stretching out your legs or loading some extra cargo onto the kayak.

It’s worth noting that, unlike a lot of our other picks, this one doesn’t come with a pump and other peripherals, but that’s a relatively small price to pay for a boat of this caliber. 

Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak

Weight: 18 lbs | Length: 6′ | Width: 24″ | Max Capacity: 130 lbs

Features: Designed for kids ages 5+ | Swim-up step | High density polyethylene | Multiple footrest positions | Ultra stable w/ great tracking

Adults shouldn’t be having all the fun when it comes to kayaking, so if you want to get your little tikes started on the right foot, this is by far one of the best budget kayaks for children you can hope to find.

The boat can support up to 130 pounds of weight, making it the perfect pick for a child in grade school. Adult supervision is generally a must when letting your kids brave the waters, but you can rest assured the polyethylene build will be keeping the kayak intact no matter the water conditions. In addition, there’s a step-up ladder in case your kid decides to go for a dip and get back on board.

The boat weighs all of 18 pounds and has finger handles, allowing a small child to carry it on land without any issue. A decent-quality asymmetrical paddle is also included, allowing your kid to get acquainted with the fundamentals of kayaking in no time at all. 

Read More: Best Kayaks For Kids

Riot Quest 10 Kayak

Weight: 41 lbs | Length: 10′ | Width: 27″ | Max Capacity: 325 lbs

Features: Bulkhead-sealed rear compartment | Contour Fit thigh braces | Adjustable footbraces | Flush-mounted rod holder | Bungee storage

As far as affordable kayaks go, the Riot line has never let us down, and the Quest 10 might just be their very best product.

Whether you’re looking to catch some fish or take some impressive pictures of the coastline, this boat won’t let you down. The kayak can carry up to 325 pounds and is 10 feet long, all while weighing around 40 pounds. This makes it ideal for dipping your toes in flatwater kayaking, and the steering is truly top-notch to boot.

HDPE builds have become an industry staple for a good reason – you won’t have to worry about damaging the boat in the slightest, provided that you don’t use it in poor weather. On top of providing comfort, the thigh and foot braces are here to keep you securely latched onto the boat and the drain plug and front-end storage are certainly welcome additions too.

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Weight: 30.6 lbs | Length: 10′ 3″ | Width: 36″ | Max Capacity: 400 lbs

Features: Heavy duty puncture-resistant vinyl | 3 separate air chambers | Inflatable I-beam floor | Boston Valves | Carry bag | 2 paddles | Inflatable seats

If you thought our previous Intex entry was affordable, get a load of the Explorer K2, one of the best budget kayaks to come out in a long time.

Whereas the Excursion Pro kayak is better suited for fishing and more intense paddling, the Explorer K2 should be your go-to if you intend on keeping things casual. The boat can support up to 2 people and 400 pounds of weight, all without affecting your directional stability at all.

The boat’s signature feature would have to be its comfortable seats and cockpit, perfect for getting around the issue of cramping and back pain that plagues other beginner kayaks. The I-beam floor and vinyl build make for a very potent combo as far as rigidity is concerned, and the bright yellow color makes the kayak very easy to spot if you do somehow manage to flip it over.

Lifetime Cruze 100

Weight: 46 lbs | Length: 10′ | Width: 30″ | Max Capacity: 275 lbs

Features: Adjustable quick release seat back | Deep hull channels & Chine rails | Multiple footrest positions | Oval hatch beneath deck | Front & rear toggle handles

How could we not include a third Lifetime kayak on our list, given that this brand makes some of the best budget kayaks you can buy?

As far as we’re concerned, this is one of the most stylish boats on our list, and it tops it off with some impressive specifications. Thanks to the chine rails and deep hull channels, this kayak will always do what you want it to do and move how you’d expect it to move. If you decide to use it for fishing, you’ll have an oval hatch beneath the deck that leaves you with a lot more legroom in the cockpit. 

With all that said, the boat doesn’t come with a paddle, and we’d advise against using it in unstable waters and on windy days. Either way, it’s a spectacular specimen that exceeds expectations under normal conditions, and it makes for an amazing first kayak if you’re only getting started.

Read More: Best Kayak Paddles

How to Pick the Best Budget Kayak 

The great thing about buying cheap kayaks in 2023 is that they come with most of the features you’d come to expect from swankier alternatives. These are some of the things to keep in mind when making your pick:

Size

Regardless of whether you’re looking for an affordable or high-end kayak, size is always something to keep in mind. The short of it is, the length of your kayak should depend on where you intend to use it.

Longer kayaks are more suited for open-water cruising since they’re more stable and move a lot faster, and they’re generally a good pick if you plan on fishing or spending a lot of time out on the water. 

If you’re dealing with a river, on the other hand, try to aim below 10 feet, as shorter kayaks turn more quickly and leave you with more room for error in narrow bodies of water.

Just to be clear, it’s worth remembering that longer doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive, although this should be fairly obvious if you took a look at all of our listings. 

Blue kayak on the beach

Material

Nowadays, the best budget kayaks are made of relatively sturdy materials, although there’s a bit of variability between boats you may want to look out for.

While puncture protection is an obvious no-brainer when making your pick, you should take UV and chemical resistance into consideration too. HDPE boats are almost always a safe pick, as they’re quite resistant to the elements and are extremely unlikely to be negatively affected by intense sunlight. 

If you know for a fact the weather conditions in a given time window won’t be a concern, you can definitely opt for an inflatable boat instead. PVC boats are a lot more durable than a lot of people give them credit for, and most of them will bounce off of hard surfaces and remain undamaged in case of a low-to-mid speed collision. 

Sit-on-Top vs Sit-Inside Kayaks

Your level of experience is a huge factor in whether you should get a sit-on-top or a sit-inside kayak for your upcoming trip.

Sit-on-top kayaks give you a lot more wiggle room, owing to the larger cockpits. These are a safe pick if you want a kayak for casual use close to shore, but you should be ready to get a little wet if you get one of these.

Sit-on-top kayaks, on the other hand, feature more enclosed cockpits, which shifts the center of gravity downward and makes you go faster. The downside here is that it’s harder to get back in the action if the boat flips over, as you’d have to worry about getting back into position and removing excess water once it’s right-side up again.

It should be noted that, despite what your intuition may lead you to believe, there aren’t any significant stability differences between these two types of kayaks. When it comes to keeping a boat upright, the main thing to keep in mind is the hull shape – flat-bottom boats offer better stability in still waters, whereas V-hulls are better when things get bumpy. 

Uses

While there’s a fair bit of leniency in how you can use most kayaks, there are some that are designed with a particular use in mind.

If a kayak is explicitly intended for fishing, it usually doubles down on that with features like an adjustable seat and rod holders. If your boat of choice doesn’t have these (or just flat-out can’t support a lot of weight), you may want to reconsider.

On the other hand, if you’re just looking to paddle casually, a lot of the peripheral features of angling and sports kayaks do little but add to the pricing. Since you’re reading an article on the best budget kayaks, chances are you’re looking to avoid needless expenses!

Woman kayaking

Affordable Kayak FAQs

If you still have some questions about finding the best budget kayak, check out these FAQs for some more information.

What is the cheapest fishing kayak?

Even looking beyond our list, it’s unlikely you’ll find a cheaper kayak than the Intex Explorer K2, as its price is comparable to that of the average children’s kayak.

What is the best beginner kayak?

While most (if not all) of our picks are extremely beginner-friendly, the specs on the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 might just make it our number one pick.

What does it take to own a kayak? 

All it takes is a couple of hundred dollars, a car to tie it to (if it’s not an inflatable), and a dedicated storage nook in your garage (again, if it’s a hardshell).

What is included in the price of a budget kayak?

This varies from product to product, but generally speaking, you can expect paddles, as well as a pump and a carry bag for inflatables. Some kayaks don’t come with all these features, but this is always made clear from the get-go in every online listing.

And that concludes our list of the best budget kayaks and all the things to look out for when choosing one. We hope we’ve sold you on some of our picks, and if so, consider taking a step beyond window shopping and get to paddling!


Looking for more kayak tips? Check out these guides:

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Best Budget Kayaks | Weather you are a beginner or an expert on kayaking you are surely looking for kayak that will meet your standards on a budget, to help you find the best one for you we've listed here the best budget kayaks! #kayak #kayaking #kayakingadventure

 





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